Want a VIN- and ZIP-specific estimate? Download the Jerry app to see live local labor rates and itemized quotes—including seals, high-pressure lines, and any injector coding.
Real customers Jerry helped
Costs for replacing a fuel injector depend on your exact vehicle, where you live, and the parts used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for their fuel injector repairs.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Use Jerry to help you find the exact price for your car, location, and parts.
Cost breakdown: Why prices vary
Every day, Jerry helps drivers track down fair repair prices—and we see a few big factors that make quotes swing:
Engine type
The biggest driver. GDI (gas direct injection) injectors cost 2–3x more than PFI (port fuel injection) and often require intake removal, single-use high-pressure lines, Teflon seal sizing and sometimes coding. For a single cylinder, plan roughly +$300–$1,200 compared to PFI, including about +1–2 hours of labor, and remember that complex V6/V8 layouts can add more.
How many injectors (one vs. all):
This increases both parts and labor costs.
Injector location:
Rails buried under an intake or in tight bays increases labor time and require new gaskets—often +$150–$500+ and +1–2.5 hours, depending on access.
Cleaning vs. replacement:
Professional cleaning runs $100–$300 when deposits are the culprit, often saving $200–$900 per cylinder instead of a replacement. Electrical failures, leaks or bad leak-down results require replacement.
Shop type and location:
Dealers favor OEM parts and strict replacement policies; independents may use OEM-equivalent (Bosch/Denso/Hitachi) or flow-matched remanufactured parts. High-cost metros carry higher rates—expect roughly +$100–$600+ compared with lower-cost areas or flexible independents.
The repair explained: What is a fuel injector?
A fuel injector is a small, computer-controlled spray nozzle. It mists fuel under pressure at the right time and in the right amount so the engine burns it efficiently.
Two system types affect cost:
- PFI (Port Fuel Injection): Sprays into the intake manifold before the cylinder. Parts are simpler and cheaper, and access is easier.
- GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection): Sprays straight into the combustion chamber at very high pressure. Most newer cars use GDI for better power and mpg, but the injectors are more complex.
Pro tip: Diesel fuel injectors cost much more than gasoline ($500–$1,500+ per injector or $3,000–$8,000 per set) and involve different systems.
Symptoms of a failing fuel injector
Know the signs of a fuel injector starting to fail. Based on helping real drivers troubleshoot, here’s what Jerry recommends watching for:
Rough idle/stalling:
Shaking at stop; occasional stall.
Hesitation or misfiring:
Stumble, shudder or hesitation on acceleration.
Poor fuel economy:
Noticeably worse MPG.
Strong gas smell:
A leaky injector can drip raw fuel, which is a huge fire hazard.
Hard start/no start:
Long crank or failure to start.
Your action plan: How to get it done right
Start with this plan to properly diagnose and resolve the problem. These steps make it easier to partner with your mechanic and ensure the job’s done right.
- Get a professional diagnosis: Don’t guess. A good workflow includes a code scan, fuel-trim review, intake smoke test, misfire isolation (swap coil/plug) and either an injector balance test or rail-pressure leak-down. Ask shops how they confirmed the fault. Customers use the diagnosis tool in the Jerry app to give them confidence before going to a shop.
- Discuss cleaning vs. replacing: If deposits are the issue and electrical checks pass, try a professional cleaning first. If an injector fails electrically, leaks or fails leak-down, go with a replacement.
- Decide: One or all? Single replacement is fine when other fuel injectors test healthy and mileage isn’t too high. Replace the whole set at high mileage (120,000 or more), when multiple cylinders show issues or when the tech documents significant flow variance—this reduces future labor and drivability complaints.
- Bundle key services: If the intake needs to come off, save on labor costs by bundling manifold gaskets, rail seals, any one-time-use high-pressure lines, and for GDI, an intake-valve cleaning on the same repair order.
- Get competing quotes: Prices vary by market and layout. Jerry can help you get accurate prices for shops near you.
A fuel injector may be small, but when one goes bad, your car can be hard to start, feel sluggish and waste fuel. Proper diagnosis can save a lot of time and frustration.
Pro tip: Top tier fuels from major branded fuel stations help reduce deposits, while cheap gas without detergents can accelerate injector fouling.
Related repairs & inspections
Getting a new fuel injector? It’s smart to review other related fixes too, since bundling services can cut costs. Jerry makes it easy to find trustworthy pricing for several repairs at once.
- Intake valve carbon cleaning (GDI): With the manifold off, it’s the perfect time to walnut-blast or professionally clean intake valves to restore airflow and drivability.
- New gaskets and seals: Any intake or rail removal warrants fresh gaskets/seals to prevent vacuum/fuel leaks. For GDI, include Teflon injector seals and follow sizing procedures.
- Fuel filter & supply check: If clogging is suspected, verify filter condition (if serviceable), fuel pressure and leak-down to prevent repeat issues.
- High-pressure lines (GDI): Many makes specify one-time-use lines, so plan to replace them during injector work.
What our customers are asking us
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Can I use a “bottle” injector cleaner?
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What causes injectors to fail?
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Is a leaky injector dangerous?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
